Welsh Government and Politics (MSc Econ)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
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Why study this course
Gain an insight and understanding of the political landscape of Wales post devolution.
Demonstrate your knowledge
Undertake in-depth research in an area concerned with Welsh Government that interests you
Use our connections
Benefit from our close ties to Wales’ devolved institutions as well as to the UK and Scottish levels of government.
Learn from our research
You will be taught be members of the Wales Governance Centre, the leading centre for the study of Welsh politics, law and political economy.
Looking beyond Wales
Ours is an international Wales and we seek out comparative examples while also using Wales to illustrate broader trends in global governance.
Due to devolution and distinctive historical and cultural factors, Welsh politics is a fascinating and fast-evolving topic of study. For those with an academic or professional interest in politics and policy, our MSc Econ Welsh Government and Politics programme provides an informed insight and understanding of the political landscape of Wales.
This unique course benefits from the close links that exist between Cardiff University and the institutions of devolved government in Wales.
This programme is designed to help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the institutions and practices of governance in post-devolution Wales. In addition to focusing on politics and governance in Wales, the course locates developments in Wales in a broader UK and European context, providing also an overview of relationships between the various levels of governance.
Our programme poses challenging questions and provides an informed insight into, and understanding of, Wales’ governance and constitution; one which is based on a distinctive history, policy-making processes since devolution and a constantly developing civil society capacity.
The seminars were interesting, challenging and fun, with a room full of politically-minded people from different backgrounds and ages, sharing ideas, solutions and theories, coupled with outstanding teaching from the country's leading political academics.
Where you'll study
School of Law and Politics
Our vibrant student body combined with highly qualified academic staff provides the perfect environment to explore the dynamic and fast-paced fields of law, politics and international relations.
Admissions criteria
Academic requirements:
Typically, you will need to have either:
- a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as international relations, politics, English, modern languages, history, religious studies, geography, economics, psychology, sociology, social policy and journalism or an equivalent international degree
- a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification.
English Language requirements:
IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in all other subskills, or an accepted equivalent.
Application deadline:
The application deadline is 31 July. If you submit an application after this date, we will only consider it if places are still available.
Selection process:
We will review your application and if you meet the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
You will take compulsory and optional modules offered by the School of Law and Politics (subject to any pre-requisite conditions, accommodation, timetable or other constraints that may apply in that particular year) and complete a dissertation.
The course is delivered in two stages. Stage One (the taught component) comprises 15 and 30 credit compulsory and optional modules. Stage Two comprises the dissertation.
During Stage One, you will be taught and assessed in modules in each semester. You will progress to the dissertation upon successful completion of Stage One.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2023/24 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2023.
Year One comprises taught modules to the value of 120 credits, delivered through 15 and 30 credit compulsory and optional modules.
Upon successful completion of the taught stage, you will progress to the 60 credit dissertation.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| The Law of Devolution in Wales | CLT605 | 30 credits |
| Constitutionalism and Governance | CLT606 | 30 credits |
| Contemporary Welsh Politics | PLT053 | 30 credits |
| Research Methods: Approaches to Knowledge | PLT062 | 15 credits |
| Public Policy | PLT069 | 15 credits |
| Devolution and Public Policy in Wales | PLT074 | 30 credits |
| Governing and Policy-Making in Britain | PLT116 | 15 credits |
| Contemporary British Politics: Key Trends | PLT421 | 15 credits |
| Themes and Debates in Contemporary Comparative Politics | PLT432 | 15 credits |
| Government from the Inside: from the Minister's Viewpoint | PLT435 | 15 credits |
| There Is No Alternative? Britain Under Thatcher | PLT447 | 15 credits |
| Politics in and about Northern Ireland since 1998 | PLT451 | 15 credits |
| Gwleidyddiaeth Gyfoes Cymru | PLT452 | 30 credits |
| Co-operation and integration in Europe: Themes and debates | PLT455 | 15 credits |
| Dissertation | PLT025 | 60 credits |
| Dissertation | PLT025 | 60 credits |
| Traethawd Hir (Welsh Medium Dissertation) | PLT046 | 60 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Study for a Master’s degree is intensive and challenging and it is important that you take full advantage of the teaching that is provided in order to succeed. Attendance at classes and dissertation supervisions is compulsory; we will expect you to undertake self-directed study, be well prepared by completing the required reading and participate fully in classes.
You will be taught through lectures and seminars which are designed to assist you to analyse and evaluate ideas and information from guided reading.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed mainly by essay and unseen written examination. Other forms of assessment include seminar presentations, class tests and book and article reviews.
Summative assessments count towards your degree. Your marks in these assessments count towards your formal progression from Stage One (taught modules) to Stage Two (the dissertation), and towards the determination of your final award. The dissertation comprises the Stage Two summative assessment.
How will I be supported?
We will support you in improving your study and research skills with dedicated classes at the beginning of each semester.
All modules are supported by Learning Central, a virtual learning environment that is available on and off campus through which you will access a wide range of materials for your modules.
You will receive pastoral support through our personal tutor scheme and academic staff have dedicated office hours to meet with you to discuss any learning queries. You are welcome to attend our programme of visiting speakers and guest lectures. A designated Disability and Diversity Officer ensures that reasonable adjustments are made for students with disabilities.
The University has a range of services to support you, including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service and excellent libraries with specialist subject librarians and resource centres. The University also offers writing skills support for students whose first language is not English.
Feedback
Feedback is given orally during seminars and you will receive written feedback on your summative coursework. Feedback will help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your learning, as well how you might improve your performance. Written feedback will be made available no later than four weeks from the submission of your assessment.
What skills will I practise and develop?
Postgraduate students are expected to assume a greater responsibility for their education than undergraduates. Through your Master’s degree, you will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both discipline specific and more generic employability skills.
During the course you will be able to extend your communication and presentation skills, both oral and written and develop collaborative skills. You will enhance your analytical skills, be able to develop a reasoned argument and reflect on your own learning by making use of constructive feedback.
You will be encouraged to work independently and develop your research skills by seeking relevant materials from a variety of sources, evaluating this evidence to develop a reasoned argument. You will reflect upon empirical and theoretical issues and critically evaluate current research.
Tuition fees for 2023 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £9,700 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2023/24 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £20,450 | £2,000 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Career prospects
The course offers ideal preparation for those seeking a career in and around the institutions of devolved governance in Wales.
Those completing the MSc Economics in Welsh Government and Politics can expect to find employment in both the public and private sectors.
This programme gave me the skills and understanding necessary to pursue a career in Welsh and UK politics, and provided an invaluable opportunity to make important connections, studying in the Welsh capital, in the heart of Welsh politics.
Funding
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
